BSB: Paul Bird: 'We needed something big!'

Published: 03 October 2018Updated: 03 October 2018

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Paul Bird has said he was determined to secure something ‘big’ for the 2019 Bennetts British Superbike season after a tough year for the squad following star rider Shane Byrne being ruled out through injury.

The Be Wiser Ducati squad have won just one race this season, and while Glenn Irwin has done well to step up into six-time champion Shane Byrne’s shoes with numerous podiums and a position in the Showdown, Bird wanted to go big for 2019.

Having already confirmed to MCN that Byrne won’t race with the PBM team even if he is fit next year, Bird has today announced that Grand Prix race winner Scott Redding will form the first part of his 2019 line-up, replacing Kawasaki-bound Glenn Irwin.

“We needed something big to happen after only winning one race this year!” Bird told MCN. “We’ve been working on this deal for eight to ten weeks now, it’s taken a lot of putting together but it’s finally happening.

“I’ve known Scott and his family a long time, I never dreamt I could run him in BSB at this stage of his career! It’s a major coup for PBM and the championship. He has a few circuits to learn, but I’m sure we can put together a package for Scott that helps him get to the top in this championship. He’s a dedicated rider who just wants to win.”

It is not yet known who will join Redding in the PBM garage, although paddock gossip points at 2015 BSB champion Josh Brookes joining the Be Wiser Ducati fold should Bird not choose to keep hold of rookie Andrew Irwin.